A large rain storm hits your town and it rains all day. How does this event relate to the
water cycle, and what happens to the water after the rain storm? First, state which
stage of the water cycle is demonstrated by the storm. Next, use the remaining stages
of the water cycle to explain what happens to the water as the water cycle is
completed. Remember that the stages of the water cycle include evaporation,
precipitation, condensation, and runoff. (2 points)
The stage of the water cycle demonstrated by the storm is precipitation. During this stage, water vapor condenses in the atmosphere and forms droplets that become too heavy to stay suspended, resulting in rainfall.
After the rainstorm, several stages of the water cycle occur. First, any remaining water on the ground will evaporate due to the sun's heat, turning liquid water into water vapor. This evaporation stage is followed by condensation, where the water vapor cools and forms clouds in the atmosphere.
Next, the condensed water vapor may come together to form larger droplets or ice crystals, leading to the process of precipitation once again. This could result in either another rainstorm, snowfall, or any other form of precipitation, depending on the temperature. The condensed water droplets or ice crystals then fall from the clouds and return to the Earth's surface, continuing the cycle.
Once the water reaches the ground, it can follow different paths. Some water may seep into the soil and become groundwater, while other water may flow over the surface as runoff. Runoff can collect in rivers, streams, or lakes and eventually make its way back to the oceans or other larger bodies of water, where the cycle can start again through evaporation. Overall, the water cycle is a continuous process where water is constantly moving and changing states.